Land annexation for new Wal-Mart progressing

May 20, 2012

The annexation of land for a proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter is moving forward, with the entire process set to be completed by June 19. It will be located west of the new Golden Plains Community Hospital.

The land annexation for a new Wal-Mart is progressing.
The Borger City Council held two public hearings earlier this week on the annexation of land for a proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter. The land is a 19.773 acre tract in Section 23, Block Y, Arnold & Barrett-Morris & Cummings Survey, Hutchinson County. There were no comments heard at either hearing.
The council also acted to receive a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission to rezone the land from Estate and Agricultural (EA) to a Commercial (C) zoning district. A public hearing has been set for 1:30 p.m. June 5, 2012, to allow for public comment.
During a meeting back in late March, the council received the request to annex the land from Odis McClellan, President, OHM Operating. The council also authorized staff to prepare a service plan for the proposed annexation.
Borger City Manager Eddie Edwards said the location of the proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter is directly west of the new hospital. He said there is not an address yet, but the nearest intersection is Highway 136 (West Wilson) and Roosevelt.
“Everything required by law has been completed and all that is left is the passage of the annexation ordinance which will be introduced on June 5 and finalized on June 19,” he said.
When the annexation of the land is complete, all city services currently available to businesses and residences inside the city limits would be available to the proposed area to be annexed.
Fire protection – Fire suppression will be available to the area immediately upon annexation. Primary fire response will be provided by the Central Fire Station located on Cedar Street. Adequate fire suppression services can be afforded to the annexed area within the current budget. All fire prevention activities will be provided by the Fire Marshal’s Office as needed.
Police services – Right now, this area is under the jurisdiction of the Hutchinson County Sheriff’s Office. However, once it is annexed, the City of Borger Police Department will extend regular and routine patrols to the area. It is anticipated that the implementation of police control activities can be effectively accommodated within the current budget and staff.
Building inspection – The Code Enforcement Department will provide enforcement upon annexation. Services include issuing building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits for new construction and remodeling, along with the enforcement of all other applicable codes which regulate building construction within the City of Borger.
Planning and zoning – The Planning and Zoning Department is responsible for regulating development and land use through the administration of the city’s zoning ordinance. These services can be provided within the department’s current budget and would available as soon as the annexation is complete.
Animal control – The Animal Control Department promotes and protects public safety and animal care through sheltering, pet placement programs, education, and animal law enforcement. These services can be provided within the department’s current budget and will begin immediately upon annexation.
Streets and drainage – Right now, there are no streets or drainage systems existing within the proposed area to be annexed. Public streets and drainage systems, if any, will be provided by developers at their own expense. All streets and drainage systems dedicated to public use will be installed to city specifications and inspected prior to acceptance. Once accepted, the city will perpetually maintain the public streets and drainage systems. This service can be provided for within the department’s current budget.
Street lighting – The City of Borger will coordinate any request for street lighting of public road ways with Xcel Energy in accordance with the city’s street lighting policy.
Water service – Water service is available near the proposed annexation area. Developers will provide for the installation of water lines in accordance with the applicable codes and the city’s subdivision and utility extension ordinances. Once accepted, the system will become part of the public water system and be owned and maintained by the city. No additional system capacity is anticipated to be needed.
Sanitary sewer system – Sanitary sewer service is available near the proposed area for annexation. Developers will provide for the installation of sanitary sewer lines in accordance with all applicable codes and the city’s subdivision and utility extension ordinances.
Once accepted, the system will become part of the municipal sewer system and be owned and maintained by the city. No additional system capacity is anticipated to be needed.
Solid waste service – Solid waste collection service will provided to the annexed area in accordance with the present ordinance. Service shall comply with existing city policies, beginning with the occupancy of structures. This service can be provided for within the department’s current budget.
Miscellaneous – All other applicable municipal services will be provided to the area in accordance with the city’s established policies governing extension of services to newly annexed areas.